Hey there! The info here is for educational purposes only — every appliance is different, so your experience may vary.

When in doubt, always reach out to a certified repair technician to stay safe!

Dryer Heating Element Not Working – What Part Fixes This Problem?

Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.

Understanding the Problem

The heating element is the coil that generates heat in an electric dryer. When it fails, the dryer tumbles but produces no heat. Heating elements can break due to normal wear, a restricted vent causing overheating, or a power surge. The element may burn out completely (no heat) or partially (reduced heat). This is one of the most common dryer repairs.

Where to Buy Appliance Parts (Price Comparison)

Looking for the best place to buy appliance parts? Here's a quick comparison of popular online stores.

Store NamePrice RangeShippingRestocking FeesOverall Value
PartsDiscount.comLower Cost Options AvailableFREE ShippingNO Restocking FeesBest Value ★★★★★
AppliancePartsProsHigher PricesPaid ShippingYes (Varies)Good ★★★☆☆
RepairClinicHigher PricesPaid ShippingYesGood ★★★☆☆
PartSelectModerate to HighPaid ShippingYesAverage ★★☆☆☆

PartsDiscount.com

Price RangeLower Cost Options Available
ShippingFREE Shipping
Restocking FeesNO Restocking Fees
Overall ValueBest Value ★★★★★

AppliancePartsPros

Price RangeHigher Prices
ShippingPaid Shipping
Restocking FeesYes (Varies)
Overall ValueGood ★★★☆☆

RepairClinic

Price RangeHigher Prices
ShippingPaid Shipping
Restocking FeesYes
Overall ValueGood ★★★☆☆

PartSelect

Price RangeModerate to High
ShippingPaid Shipping
Restocking FeesYes
Overall ValueAverage ★★☆☆☆

Prices, policies, and availability may vary by retailer and are subject to change.

Common Causes

  • Burned-out heating element coil
  • Heating element grounded to housing
  • Blown thermal fuse
  • Restricted vent causing repeated failure
  • Power surge damage

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.

WP3387747Dryer Heating Element
WP3392519Dryer Thermal Fuse
WP3977767Dryer High-Limit Thermostat
WP279838Dryer Heating Element Housing
Pro tip incoming! 🧠

Helpful Repair Tip

You can test a heating element with a multimeter for continuity. Unplug the dryer, access the element (usually behind the rear panel or under the drum), and test across the terminals. If there's no continuity, the element is broken. Also check for signs of a grounded element — if the coil is touching the housing, it can short out.

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Find the Right Part for Your Appliance

Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at PartsDiscount.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.

More Common Appliance Problems and Repairs

Explore more of the most common appliance problems homeowners face and find the parts that fix them.

Your Free Parts Videos

Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.

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